Greece, January 2, 2025
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
Hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Greece warn that Europe is being deliberately steered toward demographic collapse, responding to recent European Parliament decisions on EU-level abortion funding, which they characterize as part of a wider geopolitical and ideological agenda rather than simple social policy.
On December 10, the European Parliament approved a European Citizens’ Initiative that proposes establishing a dedicated fund for abortion services. Under this proposal, women from countries with abortion restrictions could travel to other member states for the procedure with all costs covered by European funds. The proposal now goes to the European Commission for review in March.
Speaking to Greek Orthodox outlet Vima Orthodoxias, the hierarchs describe what they see as a systematic undermining of life through policies that reduce human beings to statistics and treat children as financial burdens. They emphasize the link between abortion policy and Europe’s demographic crisis, noting that the continent is experiencing historically low birth rates with countries like Greece facing genuine population decline. They argue that when a society chooses to fund abortion rather than support motherhood and families, it effectively embraces its own decline.
The hierarchs also criticize the European Union for denying funding to pro-life organizations including the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe and the World Youth Alliance, citing concerns about “non-inclusive language,” which they characterize as ideological censorship. The European Centre for Law and Justice has similarly warned that the abortion funding proposal undermines national sovereignty by using economic mechanisms to circumvent democratically enacted laws.
The Church officials stress they are speaking not purely from theological perspective but describe the situation as a matter of survival, arguing that a Europe without children and new generations can’t sustain social cohesion or maintain political independence. According to the hierarchs, what’s at stake is whether Europe will have any future at all.
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